ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 7 (May 6-12), Servant Leadership

Welcome

Many Sabbath School class teachers either preach a sermon to their class or deliver a monologue on the whole lesson, going through it "day-by-day." The most rewarding sessions involve the members in discussion. These questions here are intended to stimulate the active participation of the members in your class. Of course pertinent information imparted by the teacher is also very valuable, for which there are many resources in print and on the internet. This site seeks to provide a resource for discussions.

If you are a member and not a teacher and your class is boring, try asking questions such as these in your class.

Thursday, 11 May 2017

Lesson 7 (May 6-12), Servant Leadership

Elders in the Early Church

Does the Holy Spirit transform a person being ordained in any way, or should transformed people only be ordained?
What authority, if any, does ordination bring with it?
How large should a church be to need elders and deacons?

The Elders

What characteristics of a shepherd apply to church leadership?
What are characteristics of a bad shepherd?
How old should a person be to be considered for ordination as an elder?

Servant Leadership

Are there occasions when a local church leader has to exercise authority?
What examples of servant-leadership may we detect among the disciples/apostles?
Is it wrong to aspire to local church leadership?

Clothed With Humility

What is humility? Why is pride so hateful to God?
How may a person cultivate humility?
Does the phrase "clothed with" imply that one can put on and take off "humility?

Like a Roaring Lion

What characteristics of a lion apply to Satan? Why is the adjective "roaring" used by Peter? What other creatures are used to symbolize Satan and for what characteristics?
If Satan were to appear visible before us, what would he look like?
Since "roaring lion" is only a metaphor, how do we actually encounter Satan, and what do we need to guard against?

How to Teach a Sabbath School Class

1. Make a conscious decision that you will lead a discussion and not preach a sermon. Prepare accordingly and be alert for discussion opportunities. A discussion in which many participate is very rewarding.

2. You must have a page of freshly written notes. Don't waste people's time with inconsequential things just to occupy the time.

3. Sprinkle your notes with discussion questions and mark them out in bold. Any time you feel you are losing the attention of the members get them into another discussion. The discussion should be relevant to the lesson as well as to everyday life.

4. Start the lesson with a discussion question, or at the very latest within the next few sentences. If you wait for ten minutes and then try to generate a discussion it will be too late. The class will have tuned you out because you have tuned them out.

5. The opening question should be general enough so that even those who have not studied will be interested in contributing.

6. Avoid questions that can be answered by a single word. If someone answers with "yes/no" ask them to give reasons for their answer. If the answer is too short ask them to clarify or simplify the answer.

7. If a member asks a question, that is a golden opportunity for a discussion. Don't waste it by answering it too quickly. Throw the question back to the members for their opinion. You can give yours at the end.

8. Avoid childish questions such as "Which day is the Sabbath?" Members will not feel any need to answer it. Similarly do not pause in a sentence for the members to supply the last few words. That kind of participation is not a discussion. Members must contribute ideas and thoughts and not just words.

9. Avoid trick questions. Members will be embarrassed if you show them wrong and they will not answer the next time. Also avoid questions that will make it obvious whether or not they have studied the lesson. Those who have not studied should also feel urged to contribute.

10. You may sometimes present two views and ask the members to evaluate the views.